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The Higgins Bedford

Culture and Heritage, Fun and Leisure

Higgins Bedford front of historic building originally a brewery

Higgins mid century painting of farm with bales of straw and bags of wheat

Higgins historic chine in turquoise and dark brown

Higgins Texas instruments electronics display

The Higgins Bedford

Culture and Heritage, Fun and Leisure

What is The Higgins Art Gallery?

The Higgins Art Gallery and Museum is located in the historic buildings of Castle Brewery, and the adjoining Victorian family home, both built by the Higgins family in the mid-19th Century. The Higgins Bedford unites on one site three cultural venues: Cecil Higgins Art Gallery, Bedford Museum and Bedford Gallery.

The Higgins Bedford showcases wonderful and varied collections including the Cecil Higgins Collection of fine and decorative arts, with its world-class watercolour and print collections and unique groups of work by the designers William Burges and Edward Bawden. The watercolour collection includes works by Turner, Constable, Cotman and Blake, whilst the print collection includes works by Picasso, Goya, Munch and Bonnard alongside many others.

Opening times (please check before making a special visit)

Monday CLOSED

Tuesday to Saturday 11am-5pm

Sundays and bank holidays 20m-5pm

Proudly Supports

Vouchers

What's on at The Higgins Bedford

All Events

03 Jan

The Higgins Bedford

New Year’s Stars

New Year’s Stars looks at Epiphany stars as a starting point before creating special stars of your own to celebrate the new year, new beginnings, thoughts and focus. Children will also get to choose from a collection of hidden words, all meaningful and special, to keep with their star as something to reflect on throughout 2025. Workshops will be held at 11.15am, 12.45pm and 2.15pm.

03 Jan

The Higgins Bedford

New Year’s Stars

03 Jan

The Higgins Bedford

Puggle Club at The Higgins Museum

Head to The Higgins Museum and join Kevin the Platypus’ little cousin Puggle for lots of creative fun. There are two sessions, one from 10.30am-12noon and one from 1pm-2.30pm.

17 Jan

The Higgins Bedford

Edward Bawden & Me Exhibition Tour

Until 13th October 2024, the biggest names in British art, illustration, ceramics and textiles come together in this eclectic exhibition at The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum in celebration of the work of designer Edward Bawden. Join the Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art for a half hour tour of some of the highlights of Edward Bawden & Me.

19 Jan

The Higgins Bedford

Toby’s Tall Tales

Join trained actor and teacher Toby in the art gallery for a FREE creative exploration of stories. Toby will engage children with immersive story reading and help children create their own stories using puppets, drawings, songs and the artwork from the gallery.

29 Jan

The Higgins Bedford

Portable Antiquities Scheme at The Higgins Bedford

Have you ever found archaeological objects whilst digging in the garden, taking the dog for a walk or metal detecting? Would you like to find out more about them? Matt Fittock, the Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme run by the British Museum can help at this FREE event.

07 Feb

The Higgins Bedford

Puggle Club at The Higgins Museum

Head to The Higgins Museum and join Kevin the Platypus’ little cousin Puggle for lots of creative fun. There are two sessions, one from 10.30am-12noon and one from 1pm-2.30pm.

16 Feb

The Higgins Bedford

Toby’s Tall Tales

07 Mar

The Higgins Bedford

Puggle Club at The Higgins Museum

Head to The Higgins Museum and join Kevin the Platypus’ little cousin Puggle for lots of creative fun. There are two sessions, one from 10.30am-12noon and one from 1pm-2.30pm.

16 Mar

The Higgins Bedford

Toby’s Tall Tales

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